Proposed Route Itinerary

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CLOCK2ROCK

(London to Gibraltar Bike Ride)

26th August – 10th September 2011

This 18 day cycle ride sets off from the infamous Big Ben clock in the centre

of London and finishes after two weeks and more than 1500 miles of serious cycling

at the Rock of Gibraltar.

Outline Itinerary 1 (August 26th):

London to Portsmouth                                                                             85 miles

We meet early near Big Ben for the start of this exciting and memorable bike ride. Here we will meet our fellow cyclists and event support team before setting off on an adventure of a lifetime. After crossing the start line, we cycle past Big Ben and weave through the awakening streets of London. Today’s route will take us out of the

capital city to Portsmouth and once leaving behind the busy streets of London we will soon be in open countryside. We head towards the coast on quiet roads to reach Portsmouth in time to catch an overnight ferry to Caen, France.

Day 2 (August 27th):

Caen to Mayenne                                                                                    90  miles

Our ferry arrives early into Caen and once disembarked we begin our journey through the relatively flat landscape of western France. Today’s ride sees us cycling across wonderful Normandy countryside along peaceful roads where the quality of the tarmac surface (after the UK) will be a sheer delight to cycle on!

Day 3 (August 28th):

Mayenne to Cholet                                                                                 105 miles

This morning we leave Normandy behind as we cycle through the Loire region of France famous for its beautiful wines and chateaux.

Day 4 (August 29th):

Cholet to Rochefort Sur Mer                                                                 101 miles

From our hotel we cycle in a south westerly direction across the flat Plaines du

Poitou and into the Charente famous for its mild climate and of course it’s brandy. Tonight we  stay in Rochefort Sur Mer.

 

Day 5 (August 30th):

Rochefort sur Mer to Andemos Les Bains                                          104 miles

Today is the longest day of the challenge and although generally flat through the Charente and the Gironde, it will nevertheless test even the fittest and most experienced of cyclists.

Day 6 (August 31st):

Andemos Les Bains to Biarritz                                                              110 miles

The route from Langon to Biarritz involves another long day of cycling as we pass through Aquitaine to the coast. At the end of a tough day, we arrive in Biarritz where we will be staying for two nights.

Day 7 (September 1st):

Rest day

Having arrived in Biarritz, we will have our first rest day of the ride. This will be a chance to relax, take a swim in the sea with its vibrant rolling surf or if you feel up to it, enjoy a short cycle ride to explore the area. Tomorrow we leave France behind as we continue our adventure and head into Spain.

Day 8 (September 2nd):

Biarritz to Sos                                                                                    110 miles

Staying close to the coast we cycle to the border and cross into Spain. Our goal today is to reach Sos where we will stay overnight. Our route takes us close to Pamplona as we head due south. The contrast to France is tangible as we embark on this next phase of our challenge.

Day 9 (September 3rd):

Sos to Calatayud                                                                                     115 miles

As we cross rural Spain, the terrain now starts to get hillier and consequently the cycling is much tougher – this is Spain at its best! Today’s ride is long and

challenging but also very rewarding.

Day 10 (September 4th):

Calatayud to Canamares                                                                         95 miles

We have an early start again today as we head in the general direction of Madrid, stopping short at Tarancon where we will overnight.

Day 11 (September 5th):

Canamares to Alcazar de San Juan                                                     106 miles

From our hotel we head south through the Castilla-La Mancha region with its beautiful rolling landscape. Today’s route is long and tough but certainly no  


Day 12 (September 6th):

Rest Day                                                                                                   

Day 13 (September 7th):

Alcazar De San Juan to Puertollano                                                       85 miles

As we continue our journey through the Spanish countryside, we encounter more hills but by now this will be familiar terrain and your legs will be accustomed to the demands of the road.

Day 13 (September 8th):

Puertollano to Cordoba                                                                         112 miles

After another fantastic days cycling, our goal today is to reach the historic town of Cordoba

Day 15 (September 9th):

Cordoba to Ronda                                                                                  112 miles

We set off today on the final stage of the challenge and cycle through beautiful Andalusia to reach the picturesque town of Ronda. Here we stay overnight - our last stop before finally reaching Gibraltar.

Day 16 (September 10th):

Ronda to Gibraltar                                                                                    66 miles

This is our final day in the saddle and less than 100 miles to boot! For many this will be an emotional day as we cycle across the finish line at the Rock of Gibraltar on Gibraltar Day!! – the crown property of the UK and a fitting end to what promises to be an extraordinary journey.

Day 17 (September 11th):

Return to the UK

We return back to the UK on Sunday after a brief lie in with luck.

Total cycling distance: 1525 miles (approx.)

Please note this is a complex itinerary which is subject to change further to technical recce and risk assessments.